Martha Karua Biography, Family Tree, Ancestry, and Political Journey

Martha Karua’s continued presence in Kenyan politics is fuelled by her passion for progressive leadership. She is an Iron Lady on women’s rights and democratic processes. Martha Karua biography tells us even more about her life story.

The uprising of Martha Karua in Kenyan politics says no less about the power of an empowered girl-child.

Martha Karua Profile facts

Martha Karua Biography

How old is Martha Karua? Born on September 22, 1957, Martha Karua is 67 years old as of 2024.

She originates in Kimunye village within Gichugu Constituency, Kenya.

Educational background

The highly learned Martha Wangari Karua attended three primary schools before proceeding to secondary education.

She started schooling at Mugumo Primary but later joined Kabare Boarding Primary. She eventually settled at St. Michael’s Girls Boarding Primary school.

Which High School did Martha Karua attend? Karua enrolled at Kabare Girls Boarding School before transferring to Kiburia Girl’s Secondary School completing her O-Levels at Ngiriambu High School.

In 1974, she excelled the East African School Certificate exams from Karoti Girls.

In addition, Karua cleared her A-Levels at the prestigious Nairobi Girls now called State House High School.

Professional career history

In 1977, Karua received admission to the University of Nairobi for a Bachelors’ Degree in Law.

Upon graduating in 1980, she became a sought-after magistrate within Nairobi City.

Karua who joined the Kenya School of Law in 1980 graduated with a post-graduate Law Diploma in 1981.

Luckily, she was admitted to the bar in the early 80s. Decades later, Karua registered for a Masters Degree at the United States International University (USIU).

In 2011, she graduated with a Global Executive MBA in a colorful ceremony held in Santiago, USA.

Political career timeline

The former Gichugu MP has worked in senior offices and the process pursued justice in several high-profile cases.

Being the first woman lawyer elected into parliament is evidence of her admirable leadership skills.

• 1981-1987:  Court magistrate at Makadara, Nakuru, and Kibera
• 1987: Started private practice, Martha Karua & Co. Advocates
• 1992-2013: Gichugu Member of Parliamentary (4 consecutive terms)
• 1998: National Secretary for Constitutional Affairs
• 2001 – 2002: Member of the Select Committee on Constitutional Review
• 2003 – 2005: Minister of Water in the Mwai Kibaki government
• 2008-2013: Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs
• 2013: NARC Kenya presidential aspirant (6th with  43,881 votes)
• 2017: Lost to Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru
• 2021: Senior Counsel Martha Karua elected Interim Mount Kenya Unity Forum Spokesperson
• May 2022: Appointed running mate by ODM Party leader Raila Odinga

Above all, Martha Wangari Karua is on record for risking her career defending defiant officials during the authoritative regime of President Daniel Moi.

She is also notable for defending her position as Gichugu MP in 1998, 2002, and 2007 General Elections.

In 2022, she trounced rivals including Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Peter Kenneth of the Kenya National Congress to become aspiring deputy president alongside Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

NARC-Kenya Party leader Martha Karua commands exceeding respect for her experience and clean record spanning 40 years.

Martha Karua family tree

NARC Kenya Party leader Martha Wangari is a second-born child in the Karua family of eight siblings.

Both her parents are alive and celebrating the successes of their celebrity daughter. Close relatives agree that she is a readily hardworking, obedient, and polite lady.

Father Karua and mother Wanjiru

Mr Jackson Karua, a charismatic man of about 90 years, is the biological father of Martha Karua.

On the other hand, Karua’s mother Josephine Wanjiru is a trained teacher who left her career to concentrate on marriage several years ago.

Karua’s brothers and sisters

The Karua family comprises four sons and four daughters pursuing different careers and interests.

The younger brother Nyage Karua and sister Loice Wanjiku Karua are all in support of her legal and political interests.

Martha Karua children and ex-husband

The outspoken Martha Wangari Karua is a proud mother of two children among them a handsome son “Dan” and a beautiful daughter presently working in KDF.

On top of that, she is a grandmother with a deep-founded love for her grandchildren.

Speaking to Maisha Magic Plus, Martha Karua confirmed that her marriage did not last for long, “Harusi haikukaa sana.”

In the same interview from April 17th, 2021, a confidant revealed her marital whereabouts.

“She went straight from maternity; akaenda kwa nyumba yake, akatoka sasa kwa bwana.”

Martha Karua’s friend.

Sources say she was formerly married to Doctor Charles Kamau Njoka in the 80s and Justice GBM Kariuki until 2008.

Various photos taken in 2013 at the Brookhouse-held Presidential Debate indicate a proud grandma.

Awards and recognition

• 1991 – Recognized by Human Rights Watch as a human rights monitor
• 1995 – Awarded by FIDA for advancing the cause of women
• 1999 – Awarded as the Kenya Jurist of the Year
• 1999 –  LSK awarded her the Legal Practitioners Due Diligence Award

Martha Karua contacts

Karua is an accomplished lady with several offices in line with her legal and political careers.

Supporters wishing to donate or reach offices can use the following contacts;

NARC Kenya House contacts

The enlisted contacts are handy for supporters wishing to become volunteers and donors.

Kenyans can also share thoughts on how they wish their incoming government to lead.

Martha Karua & Co Advocates contacts

The general public can connect with Karua through her multi-million-follower social media accounts.

While interviewing for the deputy president seat, Martha Karua disclosed that her net worth is Ksh 150 million. Some sources suggest she has since amassed more wealth exceeding Ksh 300 million.

The biography of Martha Karua introduces a widely admired Iron Lady fighting for liberation on behalf of marginalized Kenyans.

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